Airport Identifiers, what are they and where do I include them?

So being the bride of a pilot, I have learned quite a bit about flying. My job duties increase as I learn a little more. Currently, I get to put the code into the transponder (the part that tells Air Traffic Control where you are) and enter the airport identifier into the backup GPS.

When I write a blog about one of our flying trips, I always add an airport identifier in the title. They usually start with a “K” and are 4 letters or numbers. Most of us know the airport identifier of our local commercial airport. Here in Austin, Texas, Austin Bergstrom International’s identifier is KAUS. Whenever we travel, I like to add that part into the blog so fellow pilots’ can know where we land in case they want to visit the same place.

The pilot uses a website called airnav.com. This site allows him to search the airport, see what type of approaches and runways are available and check the gas prices.

We have landed at over 200 airports over the years. Now you have learned a little bit of what I have learned and will understand when you see an identifier in the title of a trip blog, what it is.